Date toured: February 2007

Marathon is the latest in a series of 157-foot motoryachts built at Christensen Shipyards. She’s the second of these boats to go into the charter market, and the first to join the Fraser Yachts Worldwide fleet. The first Christensen 157 to become available for charter was Barchetta, just last year, as part of the Churchill Yacht Partners fleet.
     While these two motoryachts are similarly built and will likely be similarly priced for some time to come, they are definitely different in terms of interior décor--which will affect your vacation experience onboard.
     Barchetta’s interior is highly stylized to the owner’s personal taste, which is art deco. The yacht is beautifully finished and I personally like her a lot, but if you don’t care for high-end art deco, then you’re going to feel uncomfortable, or at least not quite “at home,” from the moment you step onboard.
     By contrast, Marathon has a traditional décor with a hint of contemporary elegance. The yacht is more neutral in terms of fabrics and furniture, much like a high-end hotel room that’s designed to appeal to as many people as possible. While that’s not necessarily better than a highly stylized interior, it is certainly different, and it’s worth keeping in mind when comparing these sisterships for charter.
    Marathon has had a successful first season so far thanks in large part to Capt. Paul Knox, who is well-known in the charter industry. CharterWave's sources say Knox left the boat just this month, though, and no successor has yet been appointed. So be sure to check with your reputable charter broker about the new crew before you book your vacation onboard.
     Assuming the same caliber of captain and crew are brought on in the future, we can say without question that Marathon is a lovely new motoryacht well worth considering if you’re looking for a charter yacht in her size range.
     She takes 12 guests with 10 crew at a lowest weekly base rate of $200,000, or about $21,000 per person with typical 25-percent expenses included.—Kim Kavin